Nollywood Actor Cjay Nwokafor Dies, Nkechi Blessing and Colleagues Mourn

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Nollywood actor Chijioke “Cjay” Nwokafor.

Cjay’s death was announced on Wednesday by his colleague and actress, Nkechi Blessing, who took to Instagram to share videos and memories of moments she had spent with the late actor.

The actress, however, did not disclose the cause of his death. She revealed that she had decided to postpone the release of her movie, Egusi Ogbono, in honour of Cjay, who was part of the cast.

The movie had initially been scheduled for release at 5pm on Wednesday. According to Blessing, she withdrew the planned release after a hospital confirmed that the actor had died.

In an emotional tribute, Blessing said she had spoken with Cjay at about 8am on Wednesday, making the news of his death particularly difficult for her to accept.

“Cjay Nwoke Oma, so this is really the end? Omo, we had plans. I spoke to you at 8 a.m. today and a few hours later you are no more with us,” the actress wrote.

She further expressed disbelief over the development, pleading for the actor to return if it was somehow possible, while describing the situation as too painful for her to handle.

The news also triggered emotional reactions from other members of the Nigerian film industry, many of whom expressed shock at the sudden nature of the actor’s death.

Actor Charles Born said he had planned to visit Cjay at the hospital but was shocked to learn that he had died.

“Wait, what? I was supposed to go see him at the clinic. Is this a joke?” he wrote in reaction to the news.

Another actor, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, also took to X to express his disbelief, revealing that he had exchanged messages with Cjay only a few days earlier.

“Can’t believe CJ is dead, mehn. We just texted a few days back! WTF is going on,” Nwagbaraocha wrote.

He described Cjay as a “sweet soul,” adding that speaking about the actor in the past tense was difficult for him to process.

Cjay Nwokafor was an emerging Nollywood actor who began his acting career in 2021. During his time in the industry, he appeared in a number of film productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight and A Day to My Wedding.

He also featured in Nkechi Blessing’s Egusi Ogbono, whose release was put on hold following the confirmation of his death.

As of the time of filing this report, Cjay’s family and colleagues had yet to provide further information about the circumstances surrounding his death. Details of his funeral arrangements were also yet to be announced.

Cjay was an indigene of Anambra State.

His death has continued to generate reactions among colleagues, friends and followers, with members of the entertainment community mourning the loss of an actor whose career was still developing.

The Nollywood community is expected to release further statements as more information about his death and burial arrangements becomes available.

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